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Monday, July 22, 2013

GeoCentric Summer Totes

It's no secret that I love making bags.......I mean LOVE it!  I've picked up a few tips in my bag making adventures, the most important of which is to choose the right fabric!  I rarely, if ever, make bag exteriors with quilting cottons.  I always prefer to use a home dec, linen, or canvas--something sturdy to stand up to being tossed around.  I am super smitten with Cloud 9's canvas line, Geocentric.  Not only is the canvas perfect to make bags, but I love the bright colors and simple, modern prints.  

I was SUPPOSED to be making a Pretty Pleats Reversible Tote designed by my good friend, Michelle, but there was a, um, cutting error.  What can I say?  I'm human!  No matter how many bags I've made, I still make mistakes!  This time, I accidentally taped the pattern pieces together incorrectly and cut out something that shouldn't have been.  Michelle's pattern is awesome and easy to follow and I have totally rocked it (the right way) before: 

See?  I can follow directions, really!  :)  Anywho, I had a Tim Gunn moment and decided to make it work!  The resulting three totes are a bit smaller than Michelle's design, but functional and cute all the same!

I even took the extra time to put my labels in these bag!  Usually, I'm too lazy to put my labels on bags, but I do like the "finished" look they give.  

These totes ended up being the perfect size to take to the pool or run a few errands.  The strap fits over my shoulder and the bag profile is slim and unobtrusive.  Since the GeoCentric line is canvas, the bag holds it's shape well without being stiff.  I see these bags making many appearances this summer!



16 comments:

  1. I love how you "made it work!" That fabric is awesome, I am going to go check it out right now!

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  2. Awesome save! Those bags look fantastic, seems like you figured it out regardless of the smaller pieces. Great finish :)

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  3. i love those bold fabrics. great totes, perfect for summer!

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  4. Great fabric choices! I love the bags, they are a perfect size :)

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  5. nice bags kelly...these prints do make a great looking bag!

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  6. Fab prints! Anfd love how you 'made it work'.

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  7. Really, really cute. You said it about QCs. They suck for bag making.

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  8. I love the tote! I totally get what you mean about the patterns, and the ones you've chosen here are awesome! Definitely booking marking this for a project down the line :) Thanks for sharing!

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  9. Wow, they look great! Those prints are really perfect for a bag.

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  10. Very cute, and you're right, those fabrics are perfect!
    Amanda

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  11. They look like a great size to sling around for a quick event. Love the neutral insides with the colors. I always worried about how the QC would hold up in bags. I think you just confirmed my suspicions :)

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  12. Hi Kelly the bags are wonderful...I love the fabric you used...I have never worked with the GeoCentric but I am hearing all good things....

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  13. I was wondering, did you use interfacing in the making of these bags? Thanks :)

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  14. Could you tell me the mistake in cutting the pattern. I would love to make one of these. I have the orginal pattern. Any help appreciated.

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